Pucciariello Citing Charge Dismissed

Federico Pucciariello who was cited for an alleged kicking offence in the game against Ulster last weekend had the charge struck out when he appeared before an Irish Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Panel in Balsbridge last night.

Pucciariello was accompanied by Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald and team manager Shaun Payne and was represented by former Munster and Ireland lock Donal Spring. The Munster prop followed John Fogarty and Shane Jennings who had also been cited for offences in the Leinster v Connacht game and although both received suspensions Pucciariello was cleared of any offence.

Afterwards, before dashing for his train back to Limerick, Pucciariello, who had never been cited before, said. "I'm obviously very happy with the outcome. I would have been disappointed if it had gone otherwise. But I was given a very fair hearing and I would like to thank the committee for their consideration and also Mr Spring for his valuable input."

Pucciariello is expected to be named in the Munster squad when it is announced later today for the Magners League clash with Ospreys on Friday in Swansea.